Nutcracker: Moscow Ballet's Great Russian Nutcracker

We kicked off our families holiday season this year with a visit to San Francisco. We saw the Moscow’s Ballet Great Russian Nutcracker. It truly is one of the ways to get into the holiday spirit. It was performed in San Francisco at the iconic Warfield Theater. The theater itself was established in 1922 for vaudeville. It’s architecture is stunning and the theater seats about 2300. Located not far from Union Square. Let me share a few tips if you head to the city for Nutcracker entertainment and would like to see it. Or if you’d like to see their touring show in your city or state.

I have to say I’ve seen a lot of Nutcracker ballet’s in my time since my daughter’s danced ballet and performed in the Nutcrackers. Each ballet company has a slightly different version of the Nutcracker. What stood out for me is the costuming for the Moscow Ballet’s Nutcracker. It was stunning. Our favorites were the Dancing Doll, Russian dancers, Sugar Plum Fairies and Snowflakes! A stunning performances by the prima ballerinas for those iconic rolls such as the Arabian couple, Russian couple, Sugar Plum Fairy and Snow Queen.

Nutcracker:

Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Review

If at all possible do not pick up your tickets at will call. Have them sent to your home, or purchase tickets day of (But, subject to availability if purchased day of). We had to wait in such a long line to pick up the tickets at will call. It was very organized but, luckily for us it wasn’t raining or cold! Not sure what the snafu was. With that said they didn’t start the show until everyone was seated. No one who purchased tickets missed out. It started 35 minutes past show time. Getting will call tickets was organized. They had plenty of staff to direct ticket holders.

Another tip is try to get tickets as close to center as you can. There are large speakers to the right / left of stage which could block viewing. We had nice seats slightly off center in the balcony section. Which was great for looking down at the performance and always great for viewing dance scenes like the dance of the snowflakes and sugar plum fairies.

The problem with starting late is some parking places in San Francisco close at 6pm. We had gone to a matinee thinking we’d be done by 5:30pm. With the late start time, this lead us to leaving a bit early to head back to parking lot prior to the lots closing time at 6pm. Many of the parking on a Saturday afternoon was full due to shoppers and the hustle and bustle of the city. Be sure to know your alternate parking lots nearby. Having a cell phone helps with directions and alternate parking if you have someone to navigate while you drive.

Since the performance was at the Warfield it’s located on Market Street, which isn’t surrounded by the best of neighborhoods. During the day there was plenty of people around but, you do have to be aware of your surroundings as you would in any big city. It was well worth it to see the performance. On the fence about seeing the Nutcracker? It’s a show you can bring the whole family to and everyone will enjoy. (I would say 4-5 years and up is fine. The performance has one 20-25 minute intermission and is about 2.5 hours total time.)

The Warfield Theater is #163 of #464 things to do in San Francisco. You might like to check that off your bucket list, while seeing the Nutcracker!

Nutcracker Review

Final Thoughts

It was Sammie’s first time seeing it since she was little. She has never taken dance. As a teen she said she liked it but, prefers musical theater. My daughter and granddaughter who both danced enjoyed it as much as I did. Audrey is 7 and was in awe of the performances. We all agreed the music, costumes and performances were great!

If coming from the Santa Rosa, CA area into San Francisco give yourself a good 3 hours. It’s a 1 hour drive in itself. Give yourself plenty of time for the drive, parking and walking over. Prior to getting in line. Hope you get to enjoy the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker. I did receive tickets in exchange for our honest review of the performance. Thanks to USFamilyGuide and the Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker.

Should you want to find tickets in your area visit here for all the details: Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker Tickets
Grab Nutcracker ticket discount before you head over to grab your tickets!

Will you see the Nutcracker this holiday season?